Liverpool Miss Out As Goretzka Signs For Bayern

Free Transfer At End Of Contract

Image: Daniel Kraski

Liverpool are one of the Premier League clubs to have missed out on the signing of Schalke 04 midfielder Leon Goretzka.

Bayern Munich announced on Friday that the 22-year-old will move to the Allianz Arena when his contract with Schalke expires on 1 July. Goretzka has signed a four-year contract with the Bundesliga champions.

“We’re very pleased Leon Goretzka, a Germany international with great potential, has decided in favour of FC Bayern despite big-name international competitors,” said Bayern chairman Karl-Heinz Rummenigge. “This way Leon Goretzka remains in the Bundesliga.”

Liverpool, Manchester United and Arsenal were all linked with Goretzka. However, Barcelona appeared to be favourites for his signature until Bayern made a move earlier this month.

Goretzka was free to speak to overseas clubs from 1 January, but sporting director Christian Heidel admitted earlier today that the midfielder had his heart set on a move to Bayern.

“Leon Goretzka informed us earlier this week that he would like to leave the club to join FC Bayern,” Heidel said at a press conference prior to this weekend’s home game against Hannover 96.

“We did everything we could to keep Leon on Schalke, and in the summer there was an agreement with him and his advisor, but he still wanted time to wait for his sporting development.

“Yesterday, Karl-Heinz Rummenigge informed us that Leon had completed a medical check-up and we’re losing a very, very good player.”

Goretzka went on Facebook today to express his fears about the anger of the club’s fans.

“I know that I’ll disappoint all of you and that you will have little understanding of it,” he wrote.

“I don’t want to leave now, because I’m still playing the second half. And everyone who knows me just a little knows that I’m going to be tearing it up as always. I want to return Schalke 04 to the Champions League and I would like to win the German Cup in Berlin on May 19.”